The Toronto Raptors have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA as we approach the midway point of the season, but not in a positive way. After earning the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, the Raptors are currently on the outside looking in of the NBA Play-In Tournament in 11th place.
They are probably better than their 17-23 record would suggest, but you are what your record says you are and right now, the Raptors aren’t a great team. That doesn’t mean that they are lacking talent, as there are some very good players on the team, they are just lacking that alpha to lead the way.
In the coming weeks, we could see Toronto reshape its roster. With the luxury tax looming and multiple players with options for the 2023-24 season, the front office and ownership could look to get ahead of things and make some trades. One of the players to keep an eye on is point guard Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet has gone from undrafted out of Wichita State to an All-Star in the NBA. He has worked tirelessly to get to this point and could cash in this offseason. VanVleet has a player option that many are assuming he will decline so that he can sign another long-term, lucrative contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet & Toronto Raptors Updates
That could become a moot point should VanVleet and the Raptors agree to the extension that he is eligible for. Recently, there has been news that he declined an offer from the team, but that is something he wants to clear up. VanVleet made a statement on his contract situation, saying that some of the news has been misleading.
That should put to rest any chatter about signing an extension, but we will know for sure what the franchise is planning in the coming days. If they no longer see VanVleet as a long-term building block, they could make him available in a trade to stockpile more assets moving forward.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet & Toronto Raptors Updates
Pinpointing what a new contract for him could look like is tough. He is having the worst shooting season of his career since becoming a regular part of the rotation as his numbers are down across the board. That isn’t how you want to head into a potential free-agent summer, but VanVleet has plenty of time to turn things around, which in turn should lead to more victories for the team.
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